Portable structure

ABSTRACT

A structure includes a frame formed of a flexible endless band in an arched figure eight. The band includes roof sections extending from the cross-over point, wall sections extending from the roof sections and foot sections each extending between two of the wall sections. The band has a permanent deformation which may be an abrupt angle at each position between the roof sections and the wall sections. Sheet material extends across the loops of the figure eight frame, between adjacent roof sections to form a pitched roof and between at least three adjacent wall sections. A retainer at the cross-over point in the figure eight is attached to the endless band at two opposed positions and has a fixed position retaining the band at the two opposed positions fixed together. It may have a release position retaining the band at the two opposed positions rotatable relative to one another. The resilient endless band is collapsible into a configuration with six overlying coils. A rigid brace extends from one portion of the band forming one loop to another portion of the band forming the other loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is structures made of simple frameelements and flexible sheet material.

Structures which are composed of one or more continuous flexible figureeight loops with fabric extending between sections of the loops todefine a partial or full enclosure have been developed which can bequickly erected or collapsed. Such devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat.No. 3,900,463; U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,812, thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The simplest of the structures disclosed in the aforementioned patentsis formed by a single figure eight frame. Structures using this frameconstruction have proven to be stable in the erected position. Even so,they remain quite flexible in keeping with their facile erectible andcollapsible nature.

Other devices have used flexible figure eight loops. Collapsibleautomobile window shades employ a loop contained within a bag to createa planar shade. The loop, when expanded, stretches the bag to fill thewindow. To maintain the figure eight form, the portions of the loop atthe cross over point are pinned together. As the natural tendency of theloop in this application is to be open, the pin allows free relativerotation of the loop portions for facile deployment. The pin is used tokeeps the loop portions together at the cross over. This insures thatthe shade remains substantially planar and in position.

Sheet material, including netting, can be arranged over a portion or allof the frame to define rounded tent-like structures, supportingstructures for targets and the like, or containers or other devicesutilizing the space-defining frame and support characteristics. Thesheet material has included formed pockets and tubes to retain the framemember or members. The shapes of the structures have been principallydefined by the operative frame elements arranged in the substantiallycontinuous complex curved structure defined by the arched figure eightas constrained by the formed sheet material.

The sheet material has been used to define tighter curves, flatportions, and the like by constraining the frame element or elements.The frame elements have been left without permanent deformations such astight bends and abrupt angles. This use of unbent frame elements hasbeen encouraged by the spring steel makeup of the elements and by thedesire to achieve a compact coiled device in the collapsedconfiguration. Reliance for shape has also been placed on the springynature of the frame. Constraining elements and retainers have not beenemployed beyond the tensioning of the sheet material itself asinterfering with the simplicity of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a structure including a frameformed of a resilient endless strap in the shape of an arched figureeight with sheet material extending over at least a portion of the loopsof the figure eight.

In a first separate aspect of the present invention, a retainer isemployed at the cross-over point on the figure eight of the frame. Theretainer provides the capacity to fix the two opposed portions of theloop at the cross-over point in an open position. In the open position,the two opposed portions are retained in fixed relationship to decreaseflexibility of the structure and increase stability. The retainer may beany of a number of mechanisms supplying a variety of advantages andfunctions. Bolts and wing nuts, clamps, overcenter mechanisms andfriction pins and rivets are contemplated as the retaining system.

In a second separate aspect of the present invention, the retainer ofthe first separate aspect has the capability of providing a fixedposition and a release position. The fixed position retains the twoopposed positions of the frame at the cross-over point in fixedrelationship to decrease flexibility of the structure and increasestability. The release position allows the structure to be collapsed.

In a third separate aspect of the present invention, the frame achievesamended structural shapes through the presence of permanent deformationssuch as tight bends and abrupt angles at strategic positions in thefigure eight. A roof structure and wall structures can be moredistinctly defined by such permanent bends and abrupt angles betweenroof sections and wall sections defined by the figure eight. Footsections and wall sections can also be more distinctly defined by suchpermanent bends and abrupt angles. Other shapes are possible such ascubes and recognizable objects based on the permanent deformation of theframe.

In a fourth separate aspect of the present invention, the frame mayinclude a brace extending between sections of the frame for addeddimensional stability. Such braces contemplate a bar, simple,telescoping or collapsible, a frame such as of another flexible band andthe like.

In a fifth separate aspect of the present invention, the frame achievesa cube or other polygonal shape through the presence of two archedfigure eight bands opposing one another. Each figure eight may includepermanent deformations in strategic positions. A roof structure and wallstructures can be more distinctly defined by permanently defined abruptangles between roof sections and wall sections.

In a sixth separate aspect of the present invention, the frame achievesa cube shape through the presence of a single arched figure eight bandwhere the band is arched at abrupt angles at all corners. A floor pieceis attached to the two structures, by a hinge on one side and by hookand loop material, snaps or other fasteners on the other, such that thefloor piece or pieces, approximates the side and can be collapsed firstfor ease in disassembling the structure.

In a seventh separate aspect of the present invention, the frame isirregularly shaped such as in the likeness of a car, in that the figureeight band is positioned so that there is an extended foot section andthe loops formed by the figure eight are asymmetrical. The figure eightis held in place at the cross-over point, which can be at a lower heightthan the apex.

In a eighth separate aspect of the present invention, any of theforegoing aspects are contemplated to be used in combination.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide an improved structure defined by an arched figure eight andsheet material extending across at least a portion of the loops of thefigure eight. Other and further objects and advantages will appearhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame defined by a resilient endlessmember in the shape of an arched figure eight with parallel sideportions.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a structure with the frame of FIG. 1 andsheet material thereon.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable retainer.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another adjustable retainer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another retainer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another retainer.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another retainer.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a frame defined by a resilient endlessmember in the shape of an arched figure eight with nonparallel sideportions.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another frame.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 13 partiallycollapsed.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning in detail to the Figures, the frame of a structure isillustrated in FIG. 1 while a complete assembly of one possiblestructure is illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the frame, generallydesignated 10, is shown to be a resilient endless band arranged in theshape of an arched figure eight. A spring steel strap 12 is used forthis structure with appropriate permanently bent and angled sections toaccomplish a desired result. To naturally achieve the figure eightconfiguration, the strap 12 is twisted 360° before attaching the twoends in a connector to form the endless member. As has been recognizedpreviously, such a configuration provides the capability for collapsingthe frame structure into a series of overlying coils for storage andconvenient transportation.

For convenience of discussion, various parts of this continuous memberare separately named. Two opposed positions on the frame 10 areimmediately adjacent one another at the cross-over point 14. Fourupright sections extend from the cross-over point 14 to the base portionof the frame. These upright sections may each be characterized asincluding a roof section 16 and a wall section 18. Four roof sections 16extend from the cross-over point 14 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Theseare shown to be arched such that a structure for a pitched roof isprovided. The four roof sections extend a first length which may bedetermined based on the intended shape of the resulting structure.

Four wall sections 18 extend downwardly from the ends of the four roofsections 16. The wall sections 18 may be substantially parallel, e.g.,FIG. 1, or angled outwardly, e.g., FIG. 11, depending upon the desiredconfiguration. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, both paralleland nonparallel configurations are contemplated. The length of thesewall sections 18 helps determine the ultimate structure height. Betweenthe four roof sections and the four wall sections, respectively, abruptangles 20 change the direction from a roof pitch to a wallconfiguration. These abrupt angles 20 are achieved by permanentdeformation of the spring steel strap 12 at the appropriate locations.

Two foot sections 22 extend from pairs of the wall sections 18. Thesefoot sections 22 complete the closure of the loop portions of the figureeight configuration. The foot portions may be understood as including anarch transition 24 at either end of an elongate section 26. The archtransitions 24 provide an appropriate transition from the wall sectionsto the effective foot of the structure. The curvature also assists inthe capability for the device to collapse to a coiled structure. Theelongate section 26 may be sufficiently flat, weak or even slightlyinwardly arched such that it does not assume a convex curvature whichwould act as a rocker to destabilize the overall structure when restingon a support surface 27. Rather, the elongate section 26 is formed insuch a way that the arch transitions 24 bear the substantial weight ofthe frame. By placing the supports at the outer corners, stability isincreased. The arch transitions 24 are preferably created by a permanentbending of the spring steel strap 12 rather than through restraint fromthe sheet material, although the latter may be employed.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5 which replaces the archtransitions 24 with abrupt angles 28. These angles 28 create a clearerdefinition between the wall sections and the floor. Added interior roomis gained as the effective footprint of the erected structure isincreased. The stability of the structure is also increased with suchplacement of the abrupt angles 28. These angles 28 also affect thecollapsible nature of the structure. Storing the structure by collapsingthe frame into coils is discussed below. It is appropriate to note herethat the angles 28 contribute to a response in storing the structurewhich makes it harder to begin the process of collapsing the frame butmakes it easier beyond a certain point, somewhat similar to anover-center response.

Sheet material 29 extends across at least the interiors of the loops ofthe arched figure eight frame 10. The material 29 may further extendbetween loops to a distance outwardly of the cross-over point 14.Indeed, the entire periphery may be enclosed to define a tent or acover. A beach cabana would appropriately have three sides, 30, 32 and34, two being interior to the frame 10 to either side of the cross-overpoint 14 and one being outwardly of the cross-over point 14 and spanningbetween the loops. The fourth side may be open, partially walled at thetop or with some form of flap. With the sheet material 29 in place, apitched roof 36 is defined on the roof support 16 while the walls aredefined between the wall sections 18.

Means for retaining the band at the two opposed positions of the figureeight with the two opposed positions fixed together and the locallongitudinal directions of the band at the two opposed positions beingfixed at an angle to one another is provided by any one of a variety ofretainers, generally designated 40. The retainer 40 is located at thecross-over point 14. The retainer 40 is preferably able to alternatelylock and release the band at the opposed positions at the cross-overpoint. The retainer is illustrated as a bolt 42 and a wing nut 44 inFIG. 3. The bolt extends through holes drilled in the opposed positionsat the cross-over point 14 and thereby acts as a pin and has threads toaccommodate the nut for fixing the opposed positions of the band at thecross-over point. The bolt may instead be fixed to one of the portionsof the frame. A connector 45 is shown carrying the bolt 42 in theembodiment of FIG. 4. The connector is used to tie the ends of the straptogether to form the frame. The retainer 40 may be tightened untilsufficient friction or interference is experienced so that the portionsof the frame 10 extending across the cross-over point 14 are fixedrelative to one another. This defines a fixed position for the retainer40.

By preventing relative movement between the opposed elements at thecross-over point 14, substantially increased rigidity is achieved in theoverall structure. With the retainer loosened, a release position isdefined where the opposed positions on the frame 10 at the cross-overpoint 14 are able to rotate relative to one another about an axisextending through the two opposed positions. This allows for collapse ofthe configuration into six coils.

The structure may further include one or more braces 46 extendingbetween portions of the frame. Any such brace may be rigid and fixed atboth ends to the frame displaced from the cross-over point 14. The brace46 shown in FIG. 5 creates a triangle structure with the roof sections.As such, a rigid structure is presented if the portions of the frame 10at the cross-over are pinned. The brace 46 may hold the frame in an opencondition in a configuration similar to that of the retainer 40.Additional strength is added as well. The brace 46 is preferablyremovable and may also be flexible. The ability to remove the brace 46allows the structure to be stored in a collapsed state. If the brace 46is as flexible as the figure eight frame strap, it would be possible tobend the brace 46 to conform to the shape of the collapsed structure aswell.

In operation, such a structure may be stored in a pouch providedtherefor in the collapsed state defining six coils. The sheet material29 simply is drawn with the coils into that configuration. At thispoint, the retainer 40 is preferably loose so that the portions of theframe 10 can rotate relative to one another. When the structure isbrought out and released, the spring nature of the frame 10 causes thestructure to open fully. At this point it may rest upon a supportsurface 27 with the arch transitions 24 supporting the weight of thestructure. The retainer 40 may then be placed in the fixed position. Theframe may be manipulated prior to achieving the fully clamped state tocreate the desired effect. A brace, or braces 46 may be added as well.

In the further embodiment of FIG. 6, only two abrupt angles 20, createdby permanent deformation, are used on two uprights. These angles 20 areplaced on one side of the structure on different loops of the figureeight. This provides for easier access to the structure or frames anopening for a target or the like while not requiring as big an overallstructure. When coiled up, the abrupt angles tend to lie together andonly protrude from the circle at one position.

In the further embodiment of FIG. 7, a clamp 48 is illustrated which isa rigid structure with two channels 50 and 52 crossing one another. Thechannels 50 and 52 are arranged at an angle to one another, shown to be90° in this embodiment, to receive the opposed positions of the strap 12such that the local longitudinal directions of the band at the twoopposed positions are fixed at the same angle to one another. Thechannels 50 and 52 may be sized to provide a press fit with the strap 12so as to be retained in position. A bolt or other fastening structure isalso contemplated to retain the clamp 48 in position. With the clamp 48,the pin 42 may be considered optional. Yet, it can simplify erection.With the structure collapsed, the channel 52 may receive both opposedpositions of the strap 12.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a retainer 40 is defined by the pin 42 andtwo links 54 and 56. The pin 42 is at the opposed positions of the bandat the crossover. The two links 54 and 56 are pivotally attached to theband at adjacent upright sections of the band. The two links 54 and 56include an over-center stop 58 on one of the links. The stop 58 allowsthe two links 54 and 56 to pass beyond alignment so that energy must beput into the compressed links before they pass through alignment and cancollapse. Once partially collapsed, the links 54 and 56 allow release ofthe upright sections so that the band can collapse.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a rivet 60, or friction pin, is employed asthe retainer. A friction element may or may not be included between theopposed positions of the band at the cross-over point. The rivet 60retains the opposed positions in compression at all times to retain thecomponents in fixed orientation. However, the strap 12 can bemanipulated by force against the resistance of the rivet for collapse ofthe structure.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10. The foot sections 22include abrupt angles 28. The four upright sections all include roofsections 16 and wall sections 18 divided by abrupt angles which eachapproach a right angle. A retainer 40 includes a pin 64 and braces 62extending between loops of the figure eight frame. The braces 62 areaffixed at the abrupt angle 60 to either side of each of the loops. Thebraces 62 may be rigid or may include links with an overcenter stop asillustrated in FIG. 8. A cover of sheet material is shown in phantom andincludes a door hole 66. A cube is thus formed by this construction.Through either removal of the braces 62 if rigid or collapse thereof iflinks, the cube can be collapsed as with the other embodiments.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12. The frame 10 consists oftwo arched figure eight frames 68 and 70. The arched figure eight framesare placed horizontally, so that the bottoms of the figure eights formtwo wall sections 18, and portions of the sides of the figure eightsform the roof sections 16, the foot sections 22 and two other of thewall sections 18. The foot portions may be understood as including anarch transition 24 at the cross-over point end of an elongate section26. Angles 28 are at the other end of elongate sections 26. These angles28, and indeed all angles of the device, may be abrupt as illustrated incertain of the figures or sharply curved but continuous as in other ofthe figures of the disclosure. The elongate section 26 may besufficiently flat, weak or even slightly inwardly arched such that itdoes not assume a convex curvature which would act as a rocker todestabilize the overall structure when resting on a support surface 27.

A retainer 40 is located at the cross-over point 14. The retainer 40 ispreferably able to alternately lock and release the band at the opposedpositions of the cross-over point.

The structure may further include a locking mechanism for connecting thefigure eight frame 68 to the figure eight frame 70. One possible lockingmechanism has opposing wall sections 18 including strips of hook andloop material.

Further embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15. The frame 10 isa resilient endless band arranged in the shape of a cubed or archedfigure eight. Four wall sections 18 extend downwardly from the ends ofthe four roof sections 16. The four wall sections 18 are parallel to oneanother in these embodiments. The roof sections meet at crossover point14. A retainer 40 is used to retain the band at the two opposedpositions of the figure eight with the two opposed positions fixedtogether and the local longitudinal directions of the band at the twoopposed positions being fixed at an angle to one another. A typicalretainer used is the pin/nut configuration in FIG. 3, consisting of abolt 42 and a wing nut 44. Two foot sections 22 extend from pairs of thewall sections 18. The foot sections 22 and roof sections 16 connect tothe wall sections 18 at angles 28 and 20, respectively, which may beabrupt or tightly but continuously rounded through permanentdeformation, both being as illustrated in the several embodiments.

The structure further includes a floor piece 74, which may be made ofsheet material, and further consists of one or more rings 78. In FIGS.13 and 16, there are two rings 78 while in FIG. 15 there is one. Thefloor piece 74 is held in place to one foot section 22 with hinges 76.These hinges 76 may be made from the covering material or separatelyconstructed of plastic flexible material or even separate piecesfastened together, such as by hook and loop material, ties, zippers andthe like. The floor piece 74 is attached to the other foot section 22depending on the folding requirements of the structure. Both sides andthe middle of the floor piece 74 may be hinged without possibility ofseparation when constructed as in FIGS. 13 and 16. In the case of FIG.15, only one side of the floor piece 74 may be conveniently permanentlyattached. Of course, it too may be detachable. The side of the floorpiece 74 meeting with the other foot section 22 may be detachable usinghook and loop material in the embodiment of FIG. 15. Detaching the floorpiece 74 by pulling apart the hook and loop material allows the floorpiece 74 of FIG. 15 to be brought into the plane of one side of thestructure first, so that the entire frame 10 may be folded. The collapseof the structure in FIG. 13 is as presented in FIG. 16. To ensure properfolding in either embodiment, each floor piece ring 78 should have asize approximate to a side of the cube formed by two parallel wallsections 18 and a connecting foot section 22. For example, the two floorpiece rings 78 of FIGS. 13 and 16 contemplate that the floor is twicethe approximate size of a wall defined by any one loop. A retainer 40may be used in either of the embodiments of FIG. 13 and 15. However,such a retainer 40 is now, to a partial extent, redundant as the floorprovides rigidity to the structure.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14. The frame 10 is shapedso that there are loops 80 and 82 of appropriate length andconfiguration through permanent deformation to approximate the shape ofa recognizable object. The roof sections meet at the cross-over point14. A retainer 40 is used to retain the band at the two opposedpositions of the figure eight with the two opposed positions fixedtogether and the local longitudinal directions of the band at the twoopposed positions being fixed at an angle to one another. A typicalretainer used is the pin/nut configuration in FIG. 3, consisting of abolt 42 and a wing nut 44. The loops are asymmetrical and the cross-overpoint 14 is not necessarily at the apex. The shape approximates a car inthis embodiment and may exhibit printed indicia, separate material orlaminar components to approximate features of the car such as windowsand wheels.

A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17. It is constructed muchas FIG. 12. However, a hexagonal figure is created. The two archedfigure eight frames 68 and 70 are placed and configured much as in FIG.12. The cross-over point 14 is configured to have the elements closer toright angles than overlaying one another. Thus, each cross-over areabecomes another side.

Thus, improved portable structures with greater stability and improvedform are disclosed. While embodiments and applications of this inventionhave been disclosed, it would be apparent to those skilled in the artthat many more modifications are possible without departing from theinventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore is not to berestricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising a frame formed of aflexible endless band in the shape of an arched figure eight, the bandincluding four upright sections, at least two of the upright sectionseach including a roof section extending a first length from thecross-over point and a wall section extending a second length from theroof section, and two foot sections each extending between two of theupright sections, respectively, the band having a permanent deformationto redirect the band at each position between the roof sections and thewall sections; sheet material extending at least across a portion ofeach of the loops of the figure eight frame.
 2. The structure of claim1, each of the two foot sections extending from a wall section.
 3. Thestructure of claim 1, the two foot sections each having a permanentdeformation to redirect the band at either end and an elongate sectiontherebetween which separates the two permanent deformations, the fourpermanent deformations supporting substantially all the weight of theframe when placed on a supporting surface.
 4. The structure of claim 1,the sheet material extending between adjacent roof sections to form apitched roof.
 5. The structure of claim 1, the four upright sectionseach including a roof section extending the first length from thecross-over point and a wall section extending the second length from theroof section, the permanent deformations being abrupt angles at eachposition between the roof sections and the wall sections.
 6. Thestructure of claim 5, the sheet material extending between adjacent roofsections to form a pitched roof.
 7. The structure of claim 1, the sheetmaterial extending between adjacent roof sections to form a flat roof.8. The structure of claim 7, the sheet material extending between atleast three adjacent wall sections.
 9. The structure of claim 1, thesheet material extending between at least three adjacent wall sections.10. The structure of claim 9, the wall sections being substantiallyparallel.
 11. The structure of claim 1, the wall sections beingsubstantially parallel.
 12. The structure of claim 1, the resilientendless band being collapsible into a configuration with six overlyingcoils with the sheet material remaining thereon.
 13. A structurecomprising a frame formed of a flexible endless band in the shape of anarched figure eight, the band including four upright sections, at leasttwo of the upright sections each including a roof section extending afirst length from the cross-over point and a wall section extending asecond length from the roof section, and two foot sections eachextending between two of the upright sections, respectively, the bandhaving a permanent deformation to redirect the band at each positionbetween the roof sections and the wall sections; sheet materialextending at least across a portion of each of the loops of the figureeight frame; a retainer attachable to the endless band at the twoopposed positions at the cross-over point in the figure eight frame, theretainer including a fixed position retaining the band at the twoopposed positions with the two opposed positions fixed together and thelocal longitudinal directions of the band at the two opposed positionsbeing fixed at an angle to one another.
 14. The structure of claim 13,the retainer further including a release position retaining the band atthe two opposed positions rotatable relative to one another about anaxis extending through the two opposed positions.
 15. The structure ofclaim 14, the resilient endless band being collapsible into aconfiguration with six overlying coils with the sheet material remainingthereon with the retainer in the release position.
 16. The structure ofclaim 13, the two foot sections each having an arc transition at eitherend and an elongate section therebetween which separates the two arctransitions, the four arc transitions supporting substantially all theweight of the frame when placed on a supporting surface.
 17. Thestructure of claim 13, the two foot sections each having an elongatesection and two abrupt angles at either end of the elongate section andjoined with the wall sections, respectively, the sheet materialextending between adjacent roof sections to form a flat roof.
 18. Thestructure of claim 17, the retainer including a pin through the band atthe two opposed positions and braces extending between oppositepermanent deformations between the roof sections and the wall sections,respectively.
 19. The structure of claim 13, the permanent deformationsbetween the roof sections and the wall sections, respectively, beingabrupt angles.
 20. A structure comprising a frame formed of a flexibleendless band in the shape of an arched figure eight, the band includingfour roof sections extending a first length from the cross-over point,four wall sections extending a second length from the four roofsections, respectively, and two foot sections each extending between twoof the wall sections, respectively, the band having a permanentdeformation at each position between the four roof sections and the fourwall sections, respectively, the two foot sections each having an arctransition at either end and an elongate section therebetween whichseparates the two arc transitions, the four arc transitions supportingsubstantially all the weight of the frame when placed on a supportingsurface; sheet material extending at least across a portion of each ofthe loops of the figure eight frame, the sheet material extendingbetween adjacent roof sections to form a roof and extending between atleast three adjacent wall sections; a retainer attachable to the endlessband at the two opposed positions at the cross-over point in the figureeight frame, the retainer including a fixed position retaining the bandat the two opposed positions with the two opposed positions fixedtogether and the local longitudinal directions of the band at the twoopposed positions being fixed at an angle to one another and a releaseposition retaining the band at the two opposed positions rotatablerelative to one another about an axis extending through the two opposedpositions.
 21. The structure of claim 20, the permanent deformationsbetween the roof sections and the wall sections, respectively, beingabrupt angles.
 22. A structure comprising a frame formed of tworesilient endless bands, each in the shape of an arched figure eight,each band including two upright sections at diagonally opposing ends ofthe frame, and each including two roof sections extending a first lengthbetween the upright sections and the cross-over points, and two footsections each extending a first length between the upright sections andthe cross-over points; sheet material extending at least across aportion of each of the loops of each figure eight frame; two retainersattachable to each endless band at the two opposed positions at thecross-over point in each figure eight frame, the retainers including afixed position retaining the bands at the two opposed positions with thetwo opposed positions fixed together and the local longitudinaldirections of the bands at the two opposed positions being fixed at anangle to one another.
 23. The structure of claim 22, the retainersfurther including a release position retaining each band at the twoopposed positions rotatable relative to one another about an axisextending through the two opposed positions.
 24. The structure of claim23, each resilient endless band being collapsible into a configurationwith six overlying coils.
 25. The structure of claim 22, the two footsections of each band each having an elongate section and an abruptangle at the upright end of the elongate section and joined with thewall sections, respectively, the sheet metal extending between adjacentroof sections to form a flat roof.
 26. The structure of claim 22, twoendless bands further including a mechanism for locking the bandstogether.
 27. The structure of claim 26, the locking mechanism beinglooped material.
 28. A structure comprising a frame formed of aresilient endless band in the shape of a cubed, arched figure eight, theband including four upright sections, each including a roof section at apermanent deformation to the upright section, and two foot sections eachextending between two of the upright sections, respectively, the bandhaving a permanent deformation at each position between the uprightsections and foot sections; sheet material extending at least across aportion of each of the loops of the figure eight frame; a floor pieceattachable to the endless band at each foot section, where the floorpiece is the same size as a side panel, and where the floor piece isformed by two rings; a retainer attachable to the endless band at thetwo opposed positions at the cross-over point in the figure eight frame,the retainer including a fixed position retaining the band at the twoopposed positions with the two opposed positions fixed together and thelocal longitudinal directions of the band at the two opposed positionsbeing fixed at an angle to one another.
 29. The structure of claim 28,the retainer further including a release position retaining the band atthe two opposed positions rotatable relative to one another about anaxis extending through the two opposed positions.
 30. The structure ofclaim 29, the resilient endless band being collapsible into aconfiguration with six overlying coils with the sheet material remainingthereon with the retainer in the release position.
 31. The structure ofclaim 29, the retainer including a pin through the band at the twoopposed positions.
 32. The structure of claim 31, the pin having threadsand the retainer further including a nut to clamp the band together atthe two positions.
 33. The structure of claim 28, the floor piece beingattached to one foot section with hinges.
 34. The structure of claim 33,the floor piece being attached to the non-hinged foot section with hookand loop material.
 35. The structure of claim 34, the floor piece beingcollapsible into a configuration that can be folded with the resilientendless band.